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Swamimalai

State

Swamimalai, literally "Mountain of the God", is a holy town located west of the Kumbakonam town, known for the famous Lord Muruga temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The town is ideally located at a natural setting on the banks of the River Cauvery. The travelers to this place are mostly Hindu pilgrims intended to offer worship to Lord Muruga in Swaminathaswamy Temple.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport to Swamimalai is Trichy at distance of 90 km away.

By Rail: Kumbakonam railhead is the nearest railway station to Swamimalai. It is at a distance of 6km from Swamimalai city and is connected by trains from Chennai, Quilon, Tirupathi and Rameshwaram.

By Road: Tamil Nadu state transport corporation buses connect Swamimalai with almost all cities in Tamil Nadu and also regular buses are available from Kumbakonam, Trichi, Chidambaram and Chennai to Swamimalai.

District
Tanjore
STD Code
043583
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Nov - Feb

Seerkazhi

State

Seerkazhi is a religious spot located between Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai in the district of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. Seerkazhi is described in Hindu mythology by various names. Seerkazhi village is a calm and beautiful place with all aspects of a south Indian village. The village is calm and still preserves the traditional customs, rituals and beauty.

There are many mythological stories about Seerkazhi. During a severe flood which submerged almost full earth, Lord Shiva had taken 64 arts with him in a rescue raft in this place. Hence this place has names related with Thoni (boat). It is believed that God Brahma had worshipped Lord Shiva at this hamlet. There are many temples for various forms of Lord Shiva in this place.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is at Trichi. Domestic flights operate from this airport. Nearest major airport to Seerkazhi is Chennai International Airport located at about 235 km distance. Taxi services are available from airport to Mayiladuthurai city for a fare of about Rs 3,000. Chennai is well connected to all major cities by air.

Rail: Nearest railhead is at Mayavaram which is 20 km away from Seerkazhi. Seerkazhi is having a railway station. It is under gauge conversion now. Mayavaram railhead is well connected to other major cities by rail.

Road: Seerkazhi is directly connected to all neighboring cities through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Buses. Frequent buses from Madras (235 km), Chidambaram (20 km), Nagapattinam (70 km) and Mayavaram (20 km) are available to Seerkazhi.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04364
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-35°C, Winter 15-28°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Red Hills

State

Red Hills is a picturesque little town and is part of the ecological zone of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Since it is part of the ecological zone of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, excess man made developments are restricted here.

History

Red Hills was an air base of the 357th Squadron of Great Britain’s Royal Air Force during the World War II, established as a hill station by the British,

Accessibility

By Air: Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport to Red hills, which is nearly 100 km away from Red hills.

By Rail: Mettupalayam, which is 40 km away from Red hills, is the nearest major railway station. There are regular train services from Coimbatore and Chennai to Mettupalayam.

By Road: Red hills is well connected with all most all south Indian cities by bus. There are regular bus services from Bangalore (325 km) and Chennai (600 km).

District
Thiruvallur
STD Code
0423
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 13-30°C
Best time to visit
September to May

Palani Hills

State

Palni Hills, situated on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, is a range of mountains lies between the Kambam Valley in the south and Kongunadu region in the north. It is a popular destination for pilgrimage due to the famous temple of Lord Karthikeyan or Murugan here. The higher parts of the range are covered by rainforests and grasslands.

Accessibility

By Air: Coimbatore is the nearest airport to Palani Hills, about 100 km away.

By Rail: Palani railway station is connected to Palakkadu, Coimbatore, Madurai and also connected to all major cities in India through Coimbatore railway head.

By Road: The state transport corporation buses provide services to many cities in Tamil Nadu from Palani.

District
Dindigul
STD Code
04545
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 23-30°C
Best time to visit
All year around

Navagraha-Sthalas

State

Navagraha Sthalas, the most auspicious location where one can offer prayers to the nine planets, has been revered as the most important religious destination in Tamil Nadu state in South India. The name of the place itself means the location (Sthalas) of Nine Planets (Navagraha).

The temples dedicated to nine planets are Vaideeswaran Koil Angaraka dedicated to Mars, Thiruvenkadu dedicated to Mercury (Budha), Keezhperumpallam dedicated to Ketu (stands for descending node of Chandra- Moon), Thirunallar dedicated to Saturn (Sani), Kanjanur dedicated to Venus (Sukra), Suryanar Koil dedicated to Sun (Surya), Thirunageswaram dedicated to Rahu (stands for the ascending node of Chandra - Moon), Thingalur dedicated to Moon (Chandra) and Alangudi dedicated to Jupiter (Guru).

Accessibility

Air: Navagraha Sthalas is situated in Thanjavur district, located in and around. Suryanarcoil is situated 15 km away from Kumbakonam. Thingalore is located 3 km from Thiruvayuru. Vaitheeswarancoil, Thiruvengadu, Alangudi, Kanchanur, Thirunallar, Thirunageswaram and KIzhaperumpallam are all placed close to Tanjavur. Trichy international airport 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. Trichy is connected to Chennai by regular flights. Chennai (345 km) and Banglore (390 km) are other major airports nearby. These airports are well connected with most of the cities in India and many cities abroad. Taxis are available and cost is about Rs 1000 from Trichy airport to Navagraha sthalas temples. .

Rail: Trichy Junction is the nearest rail head, which is at a distance of 58 km Thanjavur. Tiruchy Junction is an important railway station in Trivandrum – Chennai route via Madurai. Regular train facilities are there from Tiruchy to Madurai and Chennai.

Road: Tamil Nadu road transport corporation buses connect Thanjavur and all the Navagraha sthalas temples with other major cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy and Madurai to Navagraha Sthalas. It is well linked with other cities by private tourist buses as well. It is connected to Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Chennai and Bangalore.

District
Tanjore
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Namakkal

State

Namakkal is a city and a municipality in Namakkal district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of Namakkal district. It is the first ISO 14001-2004 certified municipality in Asia for environmental management[1], specifically the provision and maintenance of water supply, solid waste and sewage management, town planning, lighting and other social services[2].
It is named as Educational city, Poultry city, and Transport city.

Namakkal is also called as "Namagiri", which is the name of the rock formation at the center of the town. Namakkal is well known for its poultry farms and its truck building facilities. The bulk of poultry products are supplied to the all over India. The economy of the district is primarily agricultural.

History

Namakkal is a historic town with reference back to at least 7th century. The name Namakkal derives from Namagiri, which is the name of the single rock formation at the center of the town.Two cave temples at Namakkal were called as Adiyendra Visnugrha (Ranganatha swamy Temple) and Adiyanavaya Visnugrha (Narasimha swamy Temple).These Rock cut shrines were built by King Gunaseela of Adhiyaman clan descendant.Because of his marriage relations with Pallavas the temples were built of Pallava Architectural style during 7th century. Generally, Namakkal is considered to be a Vaishnava Kshetram, and there is no Shiva temple in the town until a few years ago. The rock is enormous - 65 meters high and more than a kilometre in circumference. Over this massive rock, is a fort. The fort over the rock were built by Ramachandra Nayakar, a small king who ruled Namakkal during 16th century. It is believed that Tippu Sultan hide himself in this fort for some time to escape the British. The fort was not built by Tippu Sultan but he occupied it for a brief period of time.Later the fort was captured by British. The front side of the hill is called Thiru. Vi. Ka. Paarai and used by taxis as their stand.Gandhiji held a public meeting in 1933 in Namakkal under the slope of the Namakkal rock. It is one of the few places in Tamil Nadu, that has not been seriously affected by famine and war.

District
Namakkal
STD Code
04286
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-44°C, Winter 18-28°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Nagore

State

Nagore (sometimes spelled Nagoor) is a town in the Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located approximately 16 km south of Karaikal and 4 km north of Nagapattinam. It has a population of approximately 30,000.
Nagore is a religious destination located north of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. This is a small town along the shore of Bay of Bengal. This place has its prime attraction in a renowned Nagore Dargah, a revered place by Muslims. Nagore Dargah, five century’s old Muslim Shrine, attracts thousands of pilgrims to this land irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The festival season in Nagore is during October and November with very popular Kandhuri festival celebrated with festivities and pomp and show.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Nagore is at Tiruchirappali (Trichy) at distance of about 140 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights.

By Rail:
Nearest railhead to Nagore is at Nagapattinam, which is just 5 kms away from the holy city of Nagore. Nagapattinam is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

By Road: Nagore is connected by buses to all the major towns and cities in Tamilnadu and also connected to cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Regular bus services are available to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and Thanjavur.

Accommodation

As far as the Accommodation in Nagore is concerned, though there is no 5 star and luxury hotel, bungalows and cheap stays are available. These Accommodation in Nagore stay options are economic and yet offer an atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed.

Attractions

Kandhoori festival
Every year, during the lunar month of Jumada al-Thani, the Nagore Dargah Shrines celebrate a festive season known as 'Kandhuri Urs'. Pilgrims, including non-Muslims, from far and wide come for 'Ziyarat'. It is obnoxiously painful to note that the votaries worship him, instead of respecting and revering him. Kandhuri Urs marks the death anniversary of Meeran Sahib. The Urs commences on the first of Jumada-al-Akhira' when pilgrims assemble at Meera Pally (17th century mosque) in Nagapattinam. They proceed towards Nagore in procession with a Rath that carries flags of the Dargah. On reaching Nagore Dargah Complex, the flags are hoisted marking the inauguration of Kandhuri Urs. Votaries of Meeran Sahib start performing their troth (pledged word). On the tenth day a grand procession again starts at Nagapattinam; this time from 'Koottadi', an open ground solely retained for this festivity. The procession carries Koodu, a pot containing Sandalwood paste. The procession ends at the tomb of Meeran Sahib and the sandal paste is spread over his tomb. On the fourteenth day the flags are quietly pulled down marking the end of the festive season.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04365
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Nov - Mar

Nagapattinam

State

Nagapattinam is located 320 kilometers from Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu. Its long stretch of coastline runs along the Bay of Bengal for nearly 200 kilometers. Due to its prominence on the fisheries map Nagapattinam has one of the most thriving harbors in India. The city has some very famous temples such as Shri Kayahorana Swami, Neelayathatchi Amman, Sowriraja Perumal and Nellukkadai Mariamman. The name is derived from its ancient name 'Nagur'. It was called so because of the Nagurs, an ancient and now somewhat extinct aboriginal race that inhabited this place.

History

Nagapattinam was an important trade centre during ancient Tamil years and particularly during the Chola Dynasty.

The town was Buddhist centre from the 8th to the 15th century. Viharas (Buddhist monasteries) built here survived till 18th century. The Buddhist literature mentions Nagapattinam as Padarithitha.
Nagapttinam was also one of the constituents of Chola mandalam, which was one of the most prominent ancient Tamil Kingdoms. The Chola Kings used the port for trade and for conquering the gateway to east. There are still ruins of the Saiva temples here built by the Cholas.

In the early 16th century, The Portuguese established a commercial centre here, but in 1658 the Dutch took over from them to develop their commercial centre at Nagapattinam. The Dutch helped in the development of the town by building churches, hospitals and even released coins with the town’s name engraved in Tamil letters. When the first Maratha king Egoji (also known as Venkaji) of Tanjore came to power, an agreement was made between the Dutch and Maratha king, where Nagapattinam and a few other surrounding villages were handed over to the Dutch for administration. In 1781 the British took over from the Dutch after a prolonged battle.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Nagapattinam is at Tiruchirappali at distance of about 150 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights.

By Rail: Nagapattinam is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

By Road: Nagapattinam is connected by buses to all the major towns and cities in Tamilnadu and also connected to cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Regular bus services are available to Velankanni, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and Thanjavur.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04365
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Mudumalai

State

Mudumalai, means Old Hills, is a city that is located in the northwest side of the Nilgiri Hills. The place is mainly dominated by the Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve that was established in 1940 and is a continuation of the Bandipur National Park in the state of Karnataka.

Accessibility

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Udagamadalam station in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway service, which is nearly 64 km away.

By Road: Many tourist providers are conducting bus services up to Udagamandalam from many South Indian cities including Coimbatore, Madurai, Mysore, Bangalore and Chennai.

Things to do

Jungle Safari
The Jungle Safari is a place that allows people to come and experience exotic animals living in their natural habitat. Both vehicle safaris and elephant safaris are available through the Forest Department. One Jeep is used and is operated on a first come first served basis. The jeep can only accommodate six people at a time. Van safaris are available as well. The van holds 25 people at one time. The elephant safaris allow you to travel into areas that regular vehicles are not capable of. Four people ride on an elephant at one time. There are safari trips available both in the morning and in the evening.

District
Nilgiri
STD Code
0423
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
Oct - May

Mayiladuthurai

State

Mayiladuthurai (mayilāṭuturai, formerly Mayuram or Mayavaram) is a city and a municipality in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is located in the historic Thanjavur area on the banks of river Cauvery and is dominated by the community of 'Brahmins' and 'Muslims'.

Mayiladuthurai, formerly known as Mayavaram, is a religious and scenic tourist destination located in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu State. The town Mayiladuthurai is situated on the banks of the famous river Cauvery. Mayiladuthurai literally means the place of peacock’s dance.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is at Trichi. Nearest major airport to Mayiladuthurai is Chennai International Airport located at about 281 km distance.

By Rail: Mayiladuthurai railhead is one of the major rail junctions in Southern railway network and is well connected to other major cities by rail.

By Road: Mayiladuthurai is directly connected to all neighboring cities through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Buses. Private deluxe buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore every day.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04364
Topic
Termperature
Summer 28-38°C, Winter 24-28°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar